Monticello Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
561.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.63
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Monticello, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Monticello | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -78% |
| Washing Machine | 4.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -59% |
| Water Heater | 6.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Monticello compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Monticello, Minnesota | 234.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Buffalo, Minnesota | 202 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Saint Michael, Minnesota | 191 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Otsego, Minnesota | 222.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Elk River, Minnesota | 262 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Monticello compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Monticello | 234.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Monticello's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Monticello, Minnesota, in Wright County — a Wright County city adjacent to Big Lake and Elk River on the Mississippi River in central Minnesota — receives its water from the City of Monticello Water, drawing from the Mississippi River (Wright County) through the central Minnesota distribution.
The very hard 234.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 561.2 mg/L reflect the central Minnesota Wright County Mississippi River supply's very hard dolomitic character — driven by the Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite dissolution across the central Minnesota plateau, consistent with the upper Mississippi River corridor communities at this latitude (Sauk Rapids MN: 256 mg/L; Monticello slightly softer from the upstream draw point closer to the headwaters). The Mississippi River at Wright County — Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Oneota Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Pleistocene calcareous glacial drift (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 234.5 mg/L with TDS 561, Monticello's water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 6.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Wright County central Minnesota industrial corridor and the 3M (Washington County — upstream PFAS source) contribute to Monticello's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Monticello in Wright County draws from the City of Monticello Water on the Mississippi River (Wright County, central Minnesota) — the Mississippi at Wright County drains the Minnesota Plateau (Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite — dolomitic) through calcareous Pleistocene glacial drift — Minnesota Wright County Mississippi River Ordovician dolomitic calcareous supply produces very hard water at 234.5 mg/L with TDS 561.2 mg/L.